Creatures of Comfort

The balmy weather agreed with Creatures of Comfort designer Jade Lai's vision of an idyllic island paradise, re-created on the roof of the Maritime Hotel with dip-dyed indigo curtains and stacks of sand-smooth beach rocks. Lai had been thinking about that lucky set of sixties girls who spent their summers bopping from one international cabana to the next. For Spring, that translated into a very easy, very breezy collection of chambray separates and cool, relaxed basics. Not so much jet-set yacht-party gear, these were the sorts of uncluttered classics you crave when it's too hot or bothersome to think about getting really dressed.

Lai relied on Japanese and Italian cottons to keep things crisp and on a neutral palette, and a few low-key prints to keep things versatile, like a scattering of white polka dots on a long, mustard yellow shirtdress worn over matching cropped pants. The polka dots were echoed later on a white strapless dress covered in touchable white cloud puffs; it tied under the bust the way you might jerry-rig a sarong so you could wear it out to dinner. A sole pair of gold shorts, short but roomy—and shiny—brought out the glam factor associated with island hopping. They stood out (they'd stand out anywhere) but were still of a piece with the collection's supremely relaxed vibe. The addition of handbags this season was a nice step forward; in rich leather and clean, structured shapes, they were a reminder that these clothes could have a good life in the city, too.